Bald Eagle and Burmese Python, Back on Exhibit

By:Palm Beach Zoo

Source:Palm Beach Zoo

Date:August 2, 2013

A bald eagle and a Burmese python are both back on display at the Palm Beach Zoo, after both received veterinary care and were kept under medical watch at the Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex. Noble Peace, a female bald eagle who underwent cataract surgery, and Mahatma, a Burmese python who suffered a lung infection, are both fully recovered, and now returned to their regular exhibits.

Noble Peace had cataracts in both eyes, and underwent corrective surgery on July 1, 2013. She was evaluated by veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Susan Carastro of the Animal Eye Specialty Clinic in West Palm Beach. Following the surgery, Noble Peace recovered at a steady rate, tracking her keepers with her eyes as they moved in her line of vision. She is now on display with her mate, Shenandoah.

Mahatma was housed in the Zoo’s Intensive Care Unit in July, after the 31-year-old, 16-foot python was diagnosed with a lung infection. On July 11, 2013, Dr. Genevieve Dumonceaux, the veterinarian for the Zoo, checked Mahatma’s lungs, and then attempted an ultra-sound display examination. Mahatma was put on a regimen of antibiotics, heat therapy and extensive care with daily exercise.

“Our top-notch animal hospital facility, the Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex, is a state-of-the-art facility that allows us to provide the highest quality care,” said Jan Steele, General Curator for the Zoo. “Mahatma is an older python, and she did very well taking all of her medications. Noble Peace has a better quality of life as an eagle, because she can now see where her rats are, instead of having to feel around for them.”

“We have an intensive care area that can handle specialized cases like Noble Peace and Mahatma,” continued Steele. “This is just one more way we can ensure our animals receive the best care.”